Royals sign fireballer Cruz

The Royals added another arm to its bullpen arsenal by signing Juan Cruz. Cruz signed a contract that would guarantee him $6 million over two years. The deal was believed to be worth $2.25 million for this year, $3.25 million for 2010 and had a club option for $4 million for ’11 with a $500,000 buyout.

To make room for Cruz on the 40-man roster, the Royals designated infielder Esteban German for assignment. Cruz will add another strong throwing righty to the bullpen along with Kyle Farnsworth. Both pitched together with the Cubs, but Cruz’s numbers back then weren’t spectacular.

He compiled a 19-30 record and a 4.32 ERA in 187 games, mostly in relief. However, the last two years with Arizona have been better. In 2007, he was 6-1 with a 3.10 ERA in 53 games. Last year, he was 4-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 57 games.